Douglas educators named Betts scholars

Douglas County educators Lyndsey Bednar and Kelli Hays are the recipients of the Dr. F. Gregory Betts Education Foundation Honorarium Scholarship. 

Bednar has been a Douglas teacher for 10 years. She taught her first eight years as a kindergarten and first grade teacher and has since been an instructional coach for the Professional Development Center. Bednar is completing her master’s degree through the American College of Education in Educational Leadership.  She is a pioneer of personalized instruction and is committed to EPIC learning and being a leader in 21st-century teaching. 

Hays has been a paraeducator in Douglas since 2017.  She has worked with students in the Comprehensive Life Skills class and students with visual impairments. Hays is entering her final year of study through Western Governors University and working toward earning a degree and dual certification in special education and elementary education.

The two women received the award at the Aug. 8 Board of Trustees meeting from Doris Betts.

Greg Betts was superintendent of schools in Douglas County from 1979-1992.  During his leadership he began the first Professional Development Center and was a staunch believer in the power of continuous improvement for teachers and instructional leaders.  Upon Betts’ passing, his family began the scholarship to support the efforts of district employees who are working toward the attainment of either a doctorate or master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. The Honorarium has been awarded annually.